Healthinmind/Mental Health Disorders/Infant, Child and Adolescent Disorders

Tic Disorders

The symptoms of the tic disorders are involuntary and sudden movements or vocalizations. In order to qualify as a tic, the behavior must be sudden, repetitive, stereotyped, and non-rhythmic; it must also appear to be non-voluntary. None of the Tic Disorders are common, and in some cases the condition improves or disappears; medication and/or psychotherapy may be helpful in managing severe cases. The Tic Disorders categories are:

Tourette's Syndrome
Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder

Transient Tic Disorder:  This can involve any single tic or combination of tics that endures for at least 4 weeks but no longer than 12 months.

Tic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified:  For problems that do not meet other criteria; specifically, the disorder might not last the required 4 weeks, or might not originate, as required, prior to an individual's 18th birthday.

An excellent web site provides information on Tourette's and other tic disorders.

                                                                                                                                Last updated  12/19/03